Hawaii Red Cross Assessing Tropical Storm Darby Damage

Hawaii County, Oahu and Maui County Red Cross volunteers are canvassing the hardest hit areas today to assess damage from the Tropical Storm Darby.

Anyone who would like to report residential damage caused by Tropical Storm Darby can contact the Red Cross at the statewide phone number below during the following hours. Please leave a message if calling after-hours and your call will be returned. If you have an emergency related incident to report, please call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Hawaii Red Cross Statewide Darby Damage Reporting: (808) 739-8115

Monday, July 25th: 3:00pm to 6:00pm

Tuesday, July 26th until further notice: 8:00am to 4:00pm

On Sunday evening, 233 people stayed overnight in Oahu shelters. From Friday to Saturday, 226 people stayed overnight in Big Island shelters and 43 people stayed overnight in Maui County shelters. All statewide evacuation shelters are currently closed. The Red Cross advises that residents continue to listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on the situation and to stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding.

Returning home after the storm. The Red Cross advises that people should return home only when officials say it is safe. Continue listening to a NOAA Weather Radio or the local news for the latest updates and stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding. Follow these tips when returning home, especially if you experienced flooding:

Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.

If possible, leave children and pets with a relative or friend. If not, keep them away from hazards and floodwater.

Beware of rodents, insects, and other animals that may be on your property or in your home.

Before entering your home, look outside for damaged power lines, gas lines, foundation cracks and other exterior damage. It may be too dangerous to enter the home.

Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.

Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury

Smell for gas. If you smell natural gas or propane, or hear a hissing noise, leave immediately and contact the fire department.

If your home was flooded, assume it is contaminated with mold. Mold increases health risks for those with asthma, allergies or other breathing conditions.

Open doors and windows. Let the house air out before staying inside for any length of time if the house was closed for more than 48 hours.

Turn the main electrical power and water systems off until you or a professional can ensure that they are safe. NEVER turn the power on or off, or use and electrical tool or appliance while standing in water.

Check the ceiling and floor for signs of sagging. Water may be trapped in the ceiling or floors may be unsafe to walk on.

Download free Red Cross Mobile Apps. The Red Cross urges residents to download the free all-in-one Red Cross Emergency app that includes over 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts, maps to find the nearest open shelter, step-by-step instructions on what to do before, during, and after a disaster strikes, and lifesaving first aid instructions, diagrams, and videos on what to do for 20 emergencies like heart attack, stroke, bleeding, choking, head injuries, burns, broken bones, asthma attack, diabetic emergency, heat stroke, seizure, poisoning, bee stings, allergies, and unconsciousness. There is even a one touch “I’m safe” button that allows you to broadcast reassurance to family and friends via social media outlets that you are out of harm’s way.

Get involved. The Hawaii Red Cross continually recruits, trains and mobilizes volunteers to help those in need to respond to disasters like Tropical Storm Darby. Over 95% of services are provided by volunteers. All disaster training, services, and financial assistance to victims is free, through the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and the community. If interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, the first step is to register online at redcross.org/hawaii. To register, 1) click on ‘Volunteer’ and then 2) click on ‘Becoming a Volunteer’. Once applications are completed through the Volunteer Connection system, the Red Cross will contact interested individuals about signing up for basic disaster classes.

How to Help. The Red Cross is a non-profit humanitarian organization which provides assistance to meet the immediate emergency needs of those affected by disasters. All Red Cross assistance to disaster victims is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it depends on public contributions to help others. Your gift supports the lifesaving mission of the

American Red Cross in your community, across the country and around the world. To send a contribution, mail your check to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816 or make a secure online donation at redcross.org/hawaii or call (808) 739-8109.

For more updates, follow the American Red Cross of Hawaii on Twitter at @HawaiiRedCross. You can also contact the Hawaii Red Cross at 808-734-2101 or visit redcross.org/hawaii.